Devonian-fossils
Guides
Acariformes
Actinotrichida
Acariformes is one of two superorders of mites, representing the more diverse lineage with over 32,000 described species in 351 families and an estimated total of 440,000–929,000 species. Recent phylogenomic analyses indicate Acariformes is the most deeply rooted chelicerate lineage, rendering the traditional grouping of all mites into a single taxon scientifically problematic. The superorder comprises two main clades: Sarcoptiformes (including Oribatida and Astigmatina) and Trombidiformes, with the enigmatic Endeostigmata representing primitive forms of uncertain placement.